‘Impossible to beat this side’ – PCB boss Ramiz Raja backs Pakistan ahead of semi-final clash against Australia

Team Pakistan has certainly exceeded expectations in the ongoing T20 World Cup 2021. The Babar Azam-led side ticked all the boxes in the league stage and will enter the knock-out games unbeaten. While Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf have made the ball talk, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan scored heavy runs. As a result, the Men in Green won their all five games in the group stage.

The 2009-edition champions will now meet Australia in the second semi-final on Thursday (November 11). While the Aussies have also been exceptional in this competition, Babar Azam’s men are touted as favourites for this fixture. Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) chairman Ramiz Raja is also mighty impressed by the national team’s performance. He even stated that beating Pakistan is impossible for any side in this tournament.

The way Babar Azam has led his troops is a big achievement: Ramiz Raja

“The performance has been excellent so far. The national cricket team has removed the tag of inconsistency from its performance. Sometimes, you are desperate for a win. Your self-belief gets peaked that you think that no one can beat you,” Raja said in a video message posted on PCB’s Twitter page.

“I have played three World Cups and playing it as a player is difficult but the way Babar has led his troops, it is a big achievement. Without thinking of the result, play your best cricket. As a cricketer, I am telling you that it’s impossible to beat this side. Regardless of the opposition, play the same brand of cricket you have been playing,” he added.

Play with pride and passion!

PCB chairman Ramiz Raja has a special message for Babar Azam's team. #WeHaveWeWill | #T20WorldCup pic.twitter.com/fS0rghZ4nG

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) November 10, 2021

Raja’s statement clearly depicts that he’s backing his troop to get the glory this time around. His desires might well come true as Pakistan haven’t put a foot wrong in the competition. However, the Men in Green can’t afford to be complacent against the Pakistan side. Meanwhile, Azam had said his side aims to start off well and add substantial runs for the first wicket. Hence, Australia’s new-ball bowlers will have a job in hand.

“We do plan to get 45-50 runs in the first six overs but sometimes we are not able to execute. It is important to not lose wickets initially and our middle order can take it up later. In these conditions, we want to get 45-50 runs in the powerplay,” Babar had said while addressing media.